Zhao Chuan 趙穿

Zhao Chuan 趙穿 was a nobleman and a member of the house of Zhao 趙 who lived in the state of Jin 晉 during the Spring and Autumn period 春秋 (770-5th cent. BCE). He was a younger brother of Zhao Dun 趙盾 (Zhao Xuanzi 趙宣子) and held the post of a general. This allowed him to participate in the political process. He defeated the army of Qin 秦 in the battle of Hequ 河曲 (near modern Ruicheng 芮城, Shanxi).

The brothers Zhao several times remonstranted against the improper personal behaviour of Duke Ling of Jin 晉靈公 (r. 621-607), and finally, when the Duke did not change his tyrannic and arbitrary attitude, Zhao Chuan killed Duke Ling. He also managed, together with his brother, to realize the enthronement of Prince Heitun 黑臀 (Duke Cheng 晉成公, r. 607-600), who dwelled at the court of the king of Zhou 周 at that time. In 588 Duke Jing 晉景公 (r. 600-581) created the Six Armies (liujun 六軍), one of which was commanded by Zhao Chuan.